For eight seasons on HBO’s Entourage, Adrian Grenier has played Vincent Chase, the pretty-boy actor dealing with the ups and downs of fame, while navigating life in Hollywood along with his three best friends.

Now, with the final season premiering this Sunday, July 24, Grenier is taking a look back at the series that, as he says, “defines an era.”

The actor, 35, talked to Parade.com about saying goodbye to Vince and the boys.

On the final season of Entourage. “It’s going to be great. Vince is trying to prove himself during the first couple episodes. He had a little bit of a slip in life, but he’s ready to get back on track and do better than ever. It’s really about trying to manage all of the fear in everyone else that he’s too vulnerable. He’s trying to prove that he’s back in charge and he’s going to be back on top.”

On shooting the final episode. “It was very touching. Everyone was so sweet. It actually felt like the last day of school. It was hard to keep people focused. It was funny because the grown men on set were acting like children. Poor David Nutter [director] was trying to get everyone’s attention and get people to finish a scene, but when the end of school is near, it’s hard to really get people to do anything.”

On letting go of Vincent Chase. “Vince has changed my DNA. I think there’s always going to be a little Vince with me at all times. Entourage really has and will continue to define an era.”

On saying goodbye to the guys. “I feel like I’ve lost four castmates, but I’ve gained four brothers. It’s never really goodbye. For me, it’s on to the next big thing, and that’s been the philosophy of the show. You gotta role with it.”

He’s happy with how the series ends. “I am because it ends is with a smirk and a little bit of a wink and the knowing look that it’s not over necessarily. It’s only just a new beginning. I’m looking forward to what’s next.”

On what he’ll miss the most. “It’s got to be the morning commute. It was usually very early, 5 or 6 a.m. There’s something about waking up early and getting into the car and driving to work and feeling a sense of purpose, like you’re doing a good deed because you know people love the show and you bring joy to people. That’s such a good feeling.”

On where Vince ends and Adrian beings. “We’re both very generous and loving. Family and friendship is very important. I try to be humble and selfless like him. We’re also alike in that we both have great hair!”

On his favorite onscreen girlfriend. “I think they’ve all been great, but the best is yet to come!”

On his move to making documentaries like Teenage Paparazzo and Shot in the Dark. “It’s something that I’ve always felt comfortable with. It’s more of a compulsion I think. I love the process and I love telling stories, so it’s something that I think I will always do.”

On how his relationship with the paparazzi has changed since making Teenage Paparazzo. “It’s definitely diffused the tension and I don’t feel as vulnerable to their agenda. That’s why I made the film, as a way to make sense of the experience. If you don’t explore your world then you’re just a passive witness. I think it’s very important to ask questions and seek answers.”